Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

86THE COLD WATER CURE.

cess entertained us with wonderful results obtained by this mode of cure. The discovery is due to a peasant, who professes to be superior to all the doctors in the world, and justifies his pretensions by his works. He believes in himself; this example communicates itself to others; and many disciples in the new apostle are made whole by their faith. Crowds of strangers from all countries resort to Gräffenberg, where all diseases are treated except those of the chest. The patient is subjected to the pumping system, (ice-cold water being employed,) and then wrapped for five or six hours in flannel. No complaint, said the prince, eould· stand the perspiration which this treatment produces.

" No complaint, and no individual," I remarked.

" You are mistaken," replied the prince, with the zeal of anew convert; ¢¢ among a multitude, there are very few who have died at Gräffenberg. Princes and princesses fix themselves near to the new saviour, and after having tried his remedy, the love of water becomes a passion."

Here prince Dlooked at his watch, and called

a servant. The man came with a large pitcher of cold water in his hand, and poiu`ed it over his master's body between the waistcoat and the shirt. I could scarcely believe my eyes.

The prince continued the conversation without noticing my astonishment.

" The father of the reigning Due de Nassau arrived at Gräffenberg entirely deprived of the use of his limbs ; the water has greatly restored him ; but as he aspires to a perfect cure, it is uncertain when he leaves. No one knows on arriving at